Braskem, the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas, presents to the market the actions and results of the Wecycle platform, an initiative by the Company that aims at the utilization of plastic waste throughout the production chain, contributing to recycling, post-consumer use, and the environment.
 
The innovation includes the first polypropylene and polyethylene resins made from fully recycled content. Combined production volumes can reach 50 metric tons per month. The WCL H 1003 BBM polypropylene is produced from the annual recycling of roughly 120,000 big bags, used by the Company in the transportation of resins. The new product can be applied to household items and lids.

The WCL L004 SCV polyethylene, in turn, is produced after the recycling of 2.4 million sacks used and discarded every year by Braskem's Distribution Centers, with possible applications in bags, laminated packaging, flexible packaging, tarpaulins, and tubes.

"Wecycle is an initiative that reinforces Braskem's commitment to the plastic production chain, valuing actions that bring innovation and sustainability for the benefit of partner companies and society as a whole. It is another opportunity to learn about the benefits of recycling and reuse of plastic resins on the market," said Edison Terra, Vice President of Polyolefins, Renewables and Europe at Braskem.

The Wecycle platform was launched in 2015 and involves the partnership with different stakeholders in the industry, such as brand owners, processing companies, and recycling companies. One of the partners is Muzzicycles, a Brazil-based manufacturer of recycled plastic technology for bicycle frames. The company now participates in Wecycle by receiving polyethylene resins from cooperatives supported by the platform and included in the ser+realizador program, which supports the management of recycling cooperatives in 11 Brazilian states.

Each frame contains roughly 3 kilograms of plastic, 30% of which is recycled, accounting for a use of 132 metric tons per year of recycled content resin. The mixture between virgin and recycled polymers is necessary to ensure the good mechanical performance of the bicycle.

The advantages of plastic frames include resistance and impact absorption - two features of polyethylene - and the lifetime warranty for use. After collection, recycling and transformation of the plastic, with the support of Braskem, the bicycles are assembled and marketed in different colors.

The products of the Wecycle platform will be exhibited during Feiplastic, the largest trade show of the plastic sector in Latin America, which will be taking place until April 7 at Expo Center Norte, in São Paulo, SP.

About Braskem
Braskem is the largest manufacturer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas, with an annual output of over 20 million metric tons, including the production of other basic chemical and petrochemical products, with an annual revenue of R$54 billion. With the aim of improving the lives of people, creating sustainable solutions in chemistry and plastics, Braskem is present in over 70 countries, with 8,000 members, and operates 41 industrial units located in Brazil, the United States, Germany, and Mexico - the latter in partnership with the Mexico-based company Idesa.